Systems and methods for regulating vehicle access

ABSTRACT

A method for regulating vehicle access comprises receiving, from an electronic device of a user, a request to access a vehicle. The vehicle can be disposed at a designated geographic location. Next, geographic information of the user is received from the electronic device. The geographic information is determined with the aid of the electronic device of the user. The user is then provided access to the vehicle if, based on the received geographic information, a geographic location of the user is within a given distance from the designated geographic location of the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/653,275, filed on Jul. 18, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/411,916, filed on Jan. 20, 2017, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,738,255, which is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/668,781, filed on Mar. 25, 2015, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,586,559, which is a continuation application of PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US2013/061465, filed on Sep. 24, 2013, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/705,594, filed on Sep. 25,2012, each of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The number of cars in cities continues to grow, placing anever-increasing demand on a limited infrastructure of parking locationsand roads. However, an appreciable fraction of these cars are in useonly a relatively small fraction of the time. Drivers routinely commutewithout a car by walking, bicycling or by public transportation, andtheir cars remain idle most of the time. Still others may commute bycar. Such cars make traffic worse and occupy a valuable parking spotmost workdays.

SUMMARY

Recognized herein are various issues with present transportationmethods, systems and models. For example, transportation modelscurrently available do not permit a user to readily make a reservationfor a given vehicle on an on-the-go basis.

The present disclosure provides systems that employ vehicle on-boardelectronics, an electronic device (e.g., Smart phone) of a user, and acomputer server (“server”), all in concert, to provide the user accessto the vehicle, vehicle security, and accurate tracking and monitoringof the vehicle. Such three-part system may afford each individual partthe ability to communicate with each other part, which providesredundancy that may improve system reliability. In some examples, anelectronic device (e.g., telephone, Smart phone) of the user cancommunicate with the on-board electronics of the vehicle through a localconnection, such as universal serial bus (USB) or Bluetooth, WiFi, nearfield communication (NFC), or over-the-air by way of the server. Thiscan permit the user to lock or unlock the vehicle even if there is nohardware connection or if the onboard electronics has no directover-the-air connection to the server. Meanwhile, the on-boardelectronics of the vehicle can communicate with the server using eitherits own communications interface or the electronic device of the user.This may be useful in situations in which the vehicle is situated in alocation in which the vehicle is incapable of communicating with theserver, but may be capable of communicating with the electronic deviceof the user.

In some cases, the electronic device of the user is capable ofdetermining whether the vehicle is in communication with the server. Ifthe electronic device determines that the vehicle is not incommunication with the server, the electronic device can notify theserver that the vehicle is not in communication with the server once theelectronic device is in communication with the server. In some cases,the electronic device can direct vehicle information from the vehicle tothe server when the electronic device is in communication with theserver.

In some examples, the server can track or otherwise monitor the vehicleusing either an onboard communications interface of the vehicle, acommunications interface of the electronic device of the user, or both.

In an aspect, a computer-implemented method for regulating vehicleaccess comprises (a) receiving, from an electronic device of a user, arequest to access a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is disposed at adesignated geographic location; (b) receiving, from the electronicdevice, geographic information of the user, the geographic informationcomprising a geographic location of the user, wherein the geographicinformation is determined using or with the aid of the electronic deviceof the user; and (c) providing the user access to the vehicle if, basedon the geographic information received in (b), the geographic locationof the user is within a given distance or range from the designatedgeographic location of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, providing the user access to the vehicle in (c)comprises directing from the server an access signal to the electronicdevice of the user or an electronic control unit of the vehicle. Inanother embodiment, the user is permitted to request access to thevehicle if the user is within a given geographic distance from thevehicle. In another embodiment, the method further comprisesauthenticating the user prior to providing the user access to thevehicle. In another embodiment, the request to access the vehicle isprovided by the user using a graphical user interface of the electronicdevice of the user. In another embodiment, the vehicle is a motorscooter. In another embodiment, the electronic device is a mobileelectronic device.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises permitting the user touse the vehicle. In another embodiment the user is permitted to use thevehicle if the electronic device of the user is coupled to the vehicle.In another embodiment, the user is permitted to use the vehicle if theelectronic device of the user is coupled to an electronic control unitof the vehicle. In another embodiment, the user is permitted to use thevehicle if the electronic control unit or the electronic device detectsthat the user is wearing a safety device.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises receiving, from theelectronic device of the user, a selection of a destination location ofthe vehicle. In another embodiment, the method further comprisesdisplaying, on a graphical user interface of the electronic device ofthe user, the designated geographic location and the destinationlocation.

In another aspect, a computer-implemented method for regulating vehicleuse comprises (a) receiving, from an electronic device of a user, arequest to access a vehicle at a designated geographic location; and (b)providing the user access to the vehicle at the designated geographiclocation if a geolocation of the user, as determined by the electronicdevice, is at or in proximity to a geolocation of the vehicle. In anembodiment, the method further comprises receiving, from the electronicdevice of the user, a selection of a designated destination location ofthe vehicle. In another embodiment, the method further comprisesmonitoring the use of the vehicle from the designated geographiclocation to the designated destination location.

In another aspect, an electronic control system for a vehicle comprises(a) an electronic control unit that is programmed or otherwiseconfigured to permit use of the vehicle by a user when coupled to anelectronic device of the user, wherein the electronic control unitcomprises a communication interface that brings the electronic controlunit in communication with the electronic device; and (b) a housinghaving a support member that removably mounts the electronic device ofthe user during use of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the electroniccontrol unit comprises a communication interface that brings theelectronic control unit in communication with a server that regulatesvehicle access. In another embodiment, the electronic control unit isadapted to permit use of the vehicle if the electronic control unitdetects an access signal in a memory location of the electronic controlunit or the electronic device. In another embodiment, the access signalis provided by the electronic device or a server in remote communicationwith the electronic control unit.

In an embodiment, the electronic control unit is disposed in thehousing. In another embodiment, the housing comprises a lid that sealsthe electronic device in the housing. In another embodiment, the housingcomprises an electronic switch that (i) permits use of the vehicle whenthe lid seals the electronic device in the housing, and (ii) disablesthe vehicle from use when the lid does not seal the electronic device inthe housing.

In an embodiment, the electronic device is a portable electronic device.In another embodiment, the electronic device is an instrument cluster ofthe vehicle. In another embodiment, the support member comprises one ormore mounting brackets that mate with the electronic device. In anotherembodiment, the vehicle is a motor scooter.

In another aspect, a system for permitting vehicle access comprises (a)a computer server (“server”) comprising a computer processor(“processor”) for executing machine executable code for regulatingvehicle access; (b) a vehicle having an electronic control unit, whereinthe electronic control unit is programmed to communicate with theserver; and (c) an electronic device removably coupled to the electroniccontrol unit, wherein the electronic device comprises a processor thatis programmed to (i) request, from the server, access to the vehicle,and (ii) monitor a state of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the state ofthe vehicle includes one or more of a geographic location, speed, andbattery level of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the state of thevehicle includes indentifying information of the user. In anotherembodiment, the state of the vehicle includes vehicle emissionsinformation. In another embodiment, the vehicle is a motor scooter. Inanother embodiment, the vehicle is powered in whole or in part byelectrical energy (e.g., electrochemical energy storage device, solidstate battery).

Another aspect provides a computer readable medium comprisingmachine-executable code that, upon execution by one or more computerprocessors, implements a method, the method comprising (a) receiving,from an electronic device of a user, a request to access a vehicle,wherein the vehicle is disposed at a designated geographic location; (b)receiving, from the electronic device, geographic information of theuser, the geographic information comprising a geographic location of theuser, wherein the geographic information is determined with the aid ofor using the electronic device of the user; and (c) providing the useraccess to the vehicle if, based on the geographic information receivedin (b), a geographic location of the user is within a given distance orrange from the designated geographic location of the vehicle. Providingthe user access to the vehicle can comprise permitting the user to turnthe vehicle on, drive the vehicle, park the vehicle, and turn thevehicle off.

Another aspect provides a computer readable medium comprisingmachine-executable code that, upon execution by a computer processor,implements any of the methods above or elsewhere herein, alone or incombination.

Another aspect provides a system comprising a computer processor (orother logic) and a memory location coupled to the computer processor,the memory location comprising machine-executable code that, uponexecution by the computer processor, implements any of the methods aboveor elsewhere herein, alone or in combination.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will becomereadily apparent to those skilled in this art from the followingdetailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of thepresent disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, thepresent disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, andits several details are capable of modifications in various obviousrespects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, thedrawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features of the claimed invention are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of thefeatures and advantages of the present invention will be obtained byreference to the following detailed description that sets forthillustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention areutilized, and the accompanying drawings or figures (also “FIG.” or“FIGS.” herein) of which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show systems for permitting vehicle access;

FIG. 2 shows a system adapted to provide vehicle access;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a computer-implemented method forregulating vehicle access;

FIG. 4 shows an electronic cluster of a vehicle;

FIG. 5 shows an electronic cluster of a vehicle;

FIG. 6 shows a gripping apparatus of the electronic cluster of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows an electronic control unit for use with a vehicle;

FIGS. 8A-1, 8A-2, 8A-3, 8B-1, 8B-2, 8B-3 and 8C-8F show circuit diagramsof various components of an example integrated circuit of an electroniccontrol unit for use with a vehicle;

FIG. 9 is a screenshot of an application (app) showing a map in which auser has located a scooter;

FIG. 10 is a screenshot of an app showing the user as having elected toreserve a scooter;

FIG. 11 is a screenshot of an app showing the user as a given timeperiod in which to find and access a reserved scooter;

FIG. 12 is a screenshot of an app showing the user as having located ascooter and being presented with the option to start a user period ofthe scooter;

FIG. 13 is a screenshot of an app that presents the user with the optionto terminate the use of a scooter that is in use by the user;

FIG. 14 is a screenshot of an app that shows various use informationupon the user having terminated the user of a scooter;

FIG. 15 is a screenshot of an app that shows a map with the locations ofvarious scooters;

FIG. 16 is a screenshot of an app that shows a map with the locations ofvarious scoters available for pickup and drop-off locations (P);

FIG. 17 is a screenshot of an app that shows a map displaying a scooterride in progress;

FIG. 18 is a screenshot of an app that shows information on a drop-offlocation of a scooter;

FIG. 19 is a screenshot of an app that shows a map with the estimatedrange of a scooter and distance covered during use;

FIG. 20 is a screenshot of an app that shows various menu options;

FIG. 21 is a screenshot of an app that shows a notification indicatingthat a mobile device of a user with the app is not in communication with(e.g., unplugged from) an electronic control system of a scooter;

FIG. 22 is a screenshot of an app with an example in-app tutorial;

FIG. 23 is a screenshot of an app showing a dialog that is presentedwhen a user selects a new drop-off location; and

FIG. 24 is a screenshot of an app with a line that connects a currentlocation of a scooter and a new destination location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and describedherein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that suchembodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations,changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the invention. It should be understood that variousalternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may beemployed.

The term “vehicle,” as used herein, generally refers to a mobile machinethat is configured to transport a user or cargo from one point toanother. A vehicle may travel on land, sea or air, or space. Examples ofvehicles include, without limitation, bicycles, motor scooters (also“scooters” herein), motorcycles, cars (or automobiles), trains, ships,boats, aircraft and robots. In some cases, vehicles can be gas vehicles,electric vehicles, or gas-electric hybrid vehicles. In some examples, avehicle is a motor scooter. A vehicle can be a personal transportationvehicle powered in whole or in part by electrical energy.

The term “user,” as used herein, generally refers to an individual orentity that uses systems and methods of the disclosure. A user can be anindividual or entity that wishes to use a vehicle. A user may be a rider(e.g., driver, passenger) of a vehicle.

The term “geographic location” (also “geo-location” and “geolocation”herein), as used herein, generally refers to the geographic location ofan object, such as a user. A geolocation of a user can be determined orapproximated using a geolocation device or system associated with theuser, which may be an electronic device (e.g., mobile device) attachedto or in proximity to the user. Geographic information can include thegeographic location of the object, such as coordinates of the objectand/or an algorithm or methodology to approximate or otherwise calculate(or measure) the location of the object, and, in some cases, informationas to other objects in proximity to the object. In some examples, thegeographic information of a user includes the user's geographic locationand/or the location of one or more vehicles in proximity to the user.Geographic information can include the relative positioning betweenobjects, such as between users, or a user and a vehicle. In some cases,the geolocation of an object (e.g., user, electronic device) is notnecessarily the location of the object, but rather the location that theobject enters an area or structure, such as a building.

A geolocation device may be a portable (or mobile) electronic device,such as, for example, a Smart phone (e.g., Apple® iPhone®, Android®enabled device) or tablet personal computer (e.g, Apple® iPad, Samsung®Galaxy Tab). In some cases, the geolocation of an object, such as avehicle, can be determined using the manner in which a mobile deviceassociated with the object communicates with a communication node, suchas a wireless node. In an example, the geolocation of an object can bedetermined using node triangulation, such as, e.g., wireless node, WiFi(or Wi-Fi) node, satellite triangulation, and/or cellular tower nodetriangulation. In another example, the geolocation of a user can bedetermined by assessing the proximity of the user to a WiFi hotspot orone or more wireless routers. In some cases, the geolocation of anobject can be determined using a geolocation device that includes aglobal positioning system (“GPS”), such a GPS subsystem (or module)associated with a mobile device (e.g., GPS capabilities of an Apple®iPhone® or Droid® based system).

In some situations, the geolocation of an object can be determined withthe aid of visual and/or audio information captured by an electronicdevice of a user, such as, for example, images and/or video captured bya camera of the electronic device, or a peripheral device (e.g., Google®Glass) coupled to the electronic device.

Systems for Vehicle Access

An aspect of the invention provides a system for vehicle access,comprising a computer system coupled to a vehicle. In some embodiments,the computer system is directly coupled to the vehicle and an electronicdevice of a user. Alternatively, the computer system can be coupled tothe vehicle through the electronic device of a user.

In some embodiments, a system for permitting vehicle access comprises aserver comprising a processor for executing machine executable code forregulating vehicle access, a vehicle having an electronic control unit,and an electronic device removably coupled to the electronic controlunit. The electronic control unit is configured to communicate with theserver. The electronic device comprises a processor that is programmedto (i) request, from the server, access to the vehicle, and (ii) monitora state of the vehicle. Access to the vehicle can include use of thevehicle, such as the ability to the turn the vehicle on or off, to drivethe vehicle, park the vehicle, and use various components of the vehicle(e.g., radio).

The state of the vehicle can includes one or more of a geographiclocation, speed, and battery level of the vehicle. In some cases, thestate of the vehicle can includes indentifying information of the user,such as the user's name or avatar, and contact information. The state ofthe vehicle can include vehicle emissions information, fault codesand/or other vehicle diagnostic data (e.g., blown headlight bulb, lowtire pressure, etc.).

The vehicle can be a gas, electric or gas-electric (e.g., hybrid)vehicle. The vehicle can be powered in whole or in part by electricalenergy. For instance, the vehicle can be an electric vehicle that ispowered by an on-board energy storage device (e.g., battery), or poweredby connectivity to an electric grid.

The vehicle can be a unicycle, bicycle, tricycle, scooter, motorcycle,car, train, ship, boat, aircraft or robot. In some examples, the vehicleis a scooter. The vehicle can be any mechanical device that isconfigured to transport a user from a first geolocation to a secondgeolocation.

Reference will now be made to the figures, wherein like numerals referto like parts throughout. It will be appreciated that the figures arenot necessarily drawn to scale. The figures are illustrative and are notintended to limit the invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B shows systems for permitting vehicle access. FIG. 1Ashows a system 100 for permitting vehicle access, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The system 100 comprises a computer system105 that is coupled (e.g., in communication with) to a vehicle 110(e.g., scooter, motorcycle, car, truck, boat, helicopter, airplane,robot) and an electronic device 115 of a user. The electronic device 115can be coupled to the vehicle 110. The computer system 105 and theelectronic device 115 can be coupled to the vehicle 110 via acommunication interface of an electronic system (not shown) of thevehicle 110. The electronic system of the vehicle 110 can be a nativecomputer system, as may be provided by a manufacturer of the vehicle110, or may be installed by a third-party manufacturer and, for example,retrofitted onto or otherwise integrated in the vehicle 110. Thecomputer system 105, vehicle 110 and electronic device 115 can becoupled to one another through wired or wireless connectivity. Wiredconnectivity can include direct connection, such as through a wiredcommunication interface, such as, for example, universal serial bus,FireWire, serial bus, audio jack (or audio connector). Wirelessconnectivity can include, for example Bluetooth, Global System forMobile Communication (GSM), near field communication (NFC), cellular,radiofrequency or WiFi (or Wi-Fi) connectivity.

With reference to FIG. 1B, as an alternative, the computer system 105can be directly coupled to the electronic device 115 of the user. Theelectronic device 115 can be directly coupled to the vehicle 110.

The computer system 105 can be a computer server programmed to acceptreservation requests for a vehicle, confirm reservation requests,monitor and record vehicle usage information, monitor and record vehicleemissions information (e.g., carbon monoxide emissions, carbon dioxideemissions, NOx emissions, SOx emissions, particulate emissions),regulate vehicle access, monitor and record vehicle battery voltage andenergy use, and monitor and record vehicle maintenance information,battery state and wear information, and incident (e.g., crash, roughusage) information.

FIG. 2 shows a system 200 adapted to provide vehicle access, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 200 includesa computer server (“server”) 201 that is programmed to implement methodsdescribed herein. The server 201 can be the computer system 105 of FIGS.1A and 1B. The server 201 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also“processor” and “computer processor” herein) 205, which can be a singlecore or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallelprocessing. The server 201 also includes memory 210 (e.g., random-accessmemory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 215(e.g., hard disk), communications interface 220 (e.g., network adapter)for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices225, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic displayadapters. The memory 210, storage unit 215, interface 220 and peripheraldevices 225 can be in communication with the CPU 205 through acommunications bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storageunit 215 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storingdata. The server 201 is operatively coupled to a computer network(“network”) 230 with the aid of the communications interface 220. Thenetwork 230 can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or anintranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. Thenetwork 230 in some cases is a telecommunication and/or data network.The network 230 can include one or more computer servers, which canenable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 230in some cases, with the aid of the server 201, can implement apeer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the server 201to behave as a client or a server.

The storage unit 215 can store data, such as data related to vehiclesand users (e.g., user profiles). The server 201 in some cases caninclude one or more additional data storage units that are external tothe server 201, such as located on a remote server that is incommunication with the server 201 through an intranet or the Internet.

The storage unit 215 can store user vehicle user information, such asreservation information, booking information, vehicle use information,vehicle use payment information, and subscription payment information.Examples of vehicle use information include distance traveled, time avehicle is reserved, time a vehicle is accessed for use, time a vehicleis returned from use and total time a vehicle is used. Vehicle useinformation may include speed (e.g., minimum, maximum, average),acceleration, the relationship between battery use and terrain covered(e.g., the effect that a steep hill has on battery level), or batteryuse and speed, the relationship between battery charging measurements(e.g., electric current, electric voltage), time, battery charge level,amount of fuel or electrical energy used, and zones or regions traveled(e.g., if cost of vehicle use is assessed on a zone basis). Vehicle useinformation may include incidents (e.g., crash sensing), monitoring ofproper or improper functioning and detection of problems, monitoring ofdriving (e.g., turn signal usage). Monitoring over time may permitprediction of wear, such as battery or tire wear.

The server 201 can communicate with one or more remote computer systemsthrough the network 230. In the illustrated example, the server 201 isin communication with a first computer system 235 and a second computersystem 240 that are located remotely with respect to the server 201. thefirst computer system 235 and the second computer system 240 can be auser computer systems that are configured to permit users to reserve oneor more vehicles. The first computer system 235 and second computersystem 240 can be, for example, personal computers (e.g., portable PC),slate or tablet PC's (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab),telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device,Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants.

In some situations the system 200 includes a single server 201. In othersituations, the system 200 includes multiple servers 201 that are incommunication with one another through an intranet and/or the Internet.

The server 201 can be adapted to store user profile information, suchas, for example, a name, physical addresses (e.g., home, work, school,social scenes, gym, stores frequented), email address(es), telephonenumber(s), instant messaging (IM) handle(s), educational information,work information, social like(s) and/or dislike(s), vehicle like(s)and/or dislike(s), historical information of the user (which mayvehicles authorized by the system 200 for use by a user), and otherinformation of potential relevance to the user and the system 200. Suchprofile information can be stored on the storage unit 215 of the server201.

The server 201 can be adapted to store various user vehicle useinformation, such as vehicle use history, locations where a vehicle waspicked off and/or dropped off, locations traveled, times traveled,average time traveled, pollution emitted during travel, emissions savedduring travel, and cost for use of the vehicle during travel or multipletravels. In some situations the server 201 makes a pollutiondetermination based on estimated averages of emissions by other vehicletypes and estimates of emissions associated with vehicle energy (e.g.,electricity) needs.

The server 201 can be adapted to store various vehicle information, suchas whether a vehicle is parked, active, or inactive, whether a vehicleis charging or charged (e.g., in cases in which the vehicle is anelectric or gas-electric vehicle), time to charge for a vehicle, whichuser has reserved a vehicle, which user is using a vehicle, and alocation of the vehicle, such as the parking location of presentlocation of the vehicle. The location of the vehicle can be provided ona map, such as on a graphical user interface of the server or anelectronic device coupled to the server, or provided in terms ofgeographic coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude and altitude). Theserver 201 can store information about various vehicle makes and models,in order to provide help to riders, or service personnel, for example.

The server 201 can be programmed to provide various notifications to auser, such as when the user has reserved a vehicle, when the vehicle isready for use, and other vehicle state information (e.g., vehiclecharging, vehicle charged, vehicle disabled or available range). Suchnotifications can be provided to the user electronically, such as, forexample, by email, push notification, text message, or other electronicnotification on a graphical user interface of an electronic device ofthe user. The server can also provide the user directions to a reservedvehicle, or a vehicle that the user may wish to reserve or use. Theserver 201 can provide the user with instructional information for thevehicle being used, including, but not limited to, instructions fornormal use, instructions for unusual use or situations, and feedbacktailored based on user behavior or the behavior of other users (e.g.,drivers).

Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (orcomputer processor) executable code (or software) stored on anelectronic storage location of the server 201, such as, for example, onthe memory 210 or electronic storage unit 215. During use, the code canbe executed by the processor 205. In some cases, the code can beretrieved from the storage unit 215 and stored on the memory 210 forready access by the processor 205. In some situations, the electronicstorage unit 215 can be precluded, and machine-executable instructionsare stored on memory 210. Alternatively, the code can be executed on thesecond computer system 240 of the user.

The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine havea processer adapted to execute the code, or can be compiled duringruntime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can beselected to enable the code to execute in a pre-compiled or as-compiledfashion.

Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the server201, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technologymay be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typicallyin the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associateddata that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readablemedium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storageunit, such memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flashmemory) or a hard disk. “Storage” type media can include any or all ofthe tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, orassociated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tapedrives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitorystorage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of thesoftware may at times be communicated through the Internet or variousother telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, mayenable loading of the software from one computer or processor intoanother, for example, from a management server or host computer into thecomputer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of mediathat may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical andelectromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces betweenlocal devices, through wired and optical landline networks and overvarious air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such aswired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may beconsidered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unlessrestricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such ascomputer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium thatparticipates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, maytake many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storagemedium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium.Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magneticdisks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or thelike, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in thedrawing(s). Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as mainmemory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media includecoaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires thatcomprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission mediamay take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic orlight waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) andinfrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readablemedia therefore include, for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk,hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD orDVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any otherphysical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM andEPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wavetransporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such acarrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may readprogramming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readablemedia may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or moreinstructions to a processor for execution.

In some cases, the server 201 can be configured for data mining,extract, transform and load (ETL), or spidering (including Web Spideringwhere the system retrieves data from remote systems over a network andaccess an Application Programmer Interface or parses the resultingmarkup) operations, which may permit the system to load information froma raw data source (or mined data) into a data warehouse. The datawarehouse may be configured for use with a business intelligence system(e.g., Microstrategy®, Business Objects®). The media file managementsystem can include a data mining module adapted to search for mediacontent in various source locations, such as email accounts and variousnetwork sources, such as social networking accounts (e.g., Facebook®,Foursquare®, Google+®, Linkedin®) or on publisher sites, such as, forexample, weblogs.

The results of a user-initiated search for a vehicle can be presented toa user with the aid of a user interface (UI), such as a graphical userinterface (GUI), on an electronic device of the user. In somesituations, a GUI can enable a user to access the results of a searchfor vehicles at a designated geographic.

The UI, such as GUI, can be provided on a display of an electronicdevice of the user that is adapted to provide geolocation information ofthe user, such as, for example, measure (or calculate) the geolocationof the user. The display can be a capacitive or resistive touch display,or a head-mountable display (e.g., Google® Goggles). Such displays canbe used with other systems and methods of the disclosure.

Methods of the disclosure may be facilitated with the aid ofapplications (apps) that can be installed on electronic devices ofusers. An app can include a GUI on a display of the electronic device ofthe user. The app can be configured to perform certain functions of thesystem, such as, for example, permitting a user to reserve a vehicle andaccess the vehicle if the user is within a given distance from thevehicle. In an example, if the user is within a given distance from thevehicle, the app can permit the user to request to use the vehicle,which request is directed to the system. The system can then direct anaccess signal (e.g., access code) to an electronic device of the user orthe vehicle, which signal can permit the user to access the vehicle. Theuser can subsequently proceed to use the vehicle, such as by coupling anelectronic device of the user to the vehicle and driving the vehicle.

In some cases, a user may gain access to a vehicle by scanning a quickresponse (QR) code with an electronic device of the user, such as aSmart phone; entering a code printed on the vehicle, such as into anelectronic device of the user coupled with the server; by being locationwith a given distance from the vehicle or reserved vehicle; by beingwithin wireless (e.g., WiFi) range of the reserved vehicle; or by asynchronized bump motion or gesture using the electronic device of theuser.

Access signals of the description can be encrypted. Encrypted accesssignals can be decrypted with the aid of hardware and/or software onelectronic control units of vehicles of the disclosure and/or electronicdevices of users.

Vehicle Access Methods

Another aspect of the invention provides methods for accessing vehicle.Vehicle access may include locking and unlocking a vehicle, turning thevehicle on or off, enabling or disabling a vehicle security system, anddriving the vehicle. Methods provided herein can be implemented with theaid of computer systems of the disclosure, such as the server 201 ofFIG. 2.

Vehicles of the present disclosure can be configured for remote access.In some situations, a mobile device of a user or other remote computersystem of the user or another user can be used to provide the useraccess to a vehicle and assets of the vehicle. For example, the user canuse an app on a mobile device of the user to unlock the vehicle andvarious assets in the vehicle, such as keys and documents (e.g., proofof insurance, registration, etc.).

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a computer-implemented method 300 forregulating vehicle access. In a first operation 305, a request to accessa vehicle is received from an electronic device of a user. Theelectronic device can be a portable electronic device, such as aportable computer, telephone, or Smart phone. The request can bereceived by a server regulating vehicle access, such as, for example,the server 201 of FIG. 2. Such request may be directed from the user tothe server upon user input into the electronic device of the user. Thevehicle can be disposed at a designated geographic location.

Next, in a second operation 310, the identity of the user isauthenticated, such as, for example, by the server. The user may beauthenticated using identifying information of the user, such as, forexample, user log-in information and/or a pass code (e.g., pin,password). The second operation 310, in some cases, can be precluded.

Next, in a third operation 315, geographic information of the user isreceived by the server. The geographic information can be determinedwith the aid of the electronic device of the user.

Next, in a fourth operation 320, the user is provided access to thevehicle if one or more vehicle access criteria are met. The one or morevehicle access criteria can include the elapsed time between usercheck-in to a given vehicle and attempt by the user to use the vehicle,the proximity of the user to the vehicle, whether the vehicle is in useby another user, whether the identity of the user has been successfullyauthenticated by the server, whether a geographic location of the useris within a given distance from a designated geographic location of thevehicle, and whether the electronic device of the user is coupled to anelectronic control unit of the vehicle.

Upon being granted access to the vehicle, the user may be permitted touse (e.g., operate) the vehicle. In some cases, the user is permitted touse the vehicle if the electronic device of the user is coupled to(e.g., attached to or in communication with) the vehicle, such as anelectronic control unit of the vehicle. In some cases, the electroniccontrol unit is programmed to i) permit vehicle access and/or use by theuser when the electronic device of the user is coupled to the electroniccontrol unit, and ii) not permit vehicle access and/or use by the userwhen the electronic device of the user is not coupled to the electroniccontrol unit. In some examples, the user is permitted to use the vehicleif the electronic device of the user is coupled to an electronic controlunit of the vehicle. An electronic device can be coupled to anelectronic control unit of a vehicle by, for example, direct connection(e.g., through a wire) or wirelessly (e.g., by Bluetooth or WiFiconnectivity).

The user can be provided access to the vehicle by directing, from theserver, an access signal to the electronic device of the user or thevehicle. In some examples, access is granted to the user by directing anaccess signal from the server to the electronic device of the user. Theuser can subsequently use the vehicle by coupling the electronic deviceto the vehicle, in which case the access signal can be directed from theelectronic device of the user (e.g., from a memory location of theelectronic device) to an electronic control unit of the vehicle. Theelectronic device can be coupled to the vehicle by either wireless orwired connectivity between the electronic device and the electroniccontrol unit. Wired connectivity can be implemented with the aid of aUSB, audio jack or other wired interface of the electronic device.Alternatively, the electronic control unit may recognize the accesssignal on the electronic device of the user, such as, for example, thememory location. In other examples, access is granted to the user bydirecting an access signal from the server to the vehicle. In someembodiments, the user is permitted to access (e.g., drive) the vehiclewhen the user couples the electronic device of the user to theelectronic control unit of the vehicle. In other situations, the usermay be permitted to access the vehicle without having to couple theelectronic device to the electronic control unit of the vehicle.Wireless connectivity can be implemented using a wireless communicationinterface, such as, for example, Bluetooth or WiFi, or other wirelessinterfaces described herein.

The user can be permitted to request to access the vehicle if the useris within a given geographic distance from the vehicle. In some cases,the user is permitted to request to access the vehicle by conducting anelectronic check-in to the vehicle. The user may be permitted to requestto access the vehicle when the user is within a given geographicdistance from the vehicle. The given geographic distance can be adistance that is at most about 0.01 miles, 0.1 mile, 0.2 miles, 0.3miles, 0.4 miles, 0.5 miles, 0.6 miles, 0.7 miles, 0.8 miles, 0.9 miles,1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles, 4 miles, 5 miles, 10 miles, 20 miles, 30miles, 40 miles, 50 miles, or 100 miles. In some situations, upon theuser requesting to access the vehicle, the server reserves the vehiclefor a given time period, such as a time period of at most about 5seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 40minutes, 50 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week,2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, or 1 month. Within this period, other usersmay not be permitted to request to access and use the vehicle.

In some situations, when the user has requested to access a vehicle andthe vehicle has been reserved for the user, the server monitors thegeographic location of the user. If the server determines that the userhas travelled beyond a use radius, the server permits other users toreserve the vehicle. The use radius can be a radius that is at mostabout 0.01 miles, 0.1 mile, 0.2 miles, 0.3 miles, 0.4 miles, 0.5 miles,0.6 miles, 0.7 miles, 0.8 miles, 0.9 miles, 1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles, 4miles, 5 miles, 10 miles, 20 miles, 30 miles, 40 miles, 50 miles, or 100miles from a geographic location of the vehicle.

Upon the user requesting to access the vehicle, the server may permitthe user to access (e.g., turn on, drive) the vehicle if the user iswithin a given distance from the vehicle. In some cases, the user ispermitted to access the vehicle if the user is within a given geographicdistance from the vehicle. The given geographic distance can be adistance that is at most about 0.01 miles, 0.1 mile, 0.2 miles, 0.3miles, 0.4 miles, 0.5 miles, 0.6 miles, 0.7 miles, 0.8 miles, 0.9 miles,1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles, 4 miles, 5 miles, 10 miles, 20 miles, 30miles, 40 miles, 50 miles, or 100 miles. In some embodiments, if theuser is within the given geographic distance from the vehicle, theserver directs an access signal (e.g., access code) to the electroniccontrol unit of the vehicle of the electronic device of the user, orboth.

The server may monitor a trajectory of movement of a user towards oraway from a vehicle. If the server determines that the user is movingtowards the vehicle, then the server may direct an access signal to theelectronic device of the user and/or the vehicle to permit the user touse the vehicle. For example, the server records a geographic of theuser at a first time point and records a geographic location of the userat a second time point. The server then calculates a trajectory of theuser from the locations at the first and second time points. If thelocation is directed at or in proximity to the vehicle, then the serverdirects an access signal to the electronic device of the user or thevehicle, or both.

The user can request to access the vehicle by directing a request (e.g.,conducting a check-in) with the aid of a user interface, such as agraphical user interface, of the electronic device of the user. Forexample, the user can conduct a check-in to the vehicle using a GUI ofthe electronic device of the user, and the server reserves the vehiclefor the user for a period of about 15 minutes. When the user is inproximity to the vehicle, the server directs an access signal to theelectronic device of the user or the electronic control unit of thevehicle. The access signal permits the user to use the vehicle when theuser couples the user's electronic device to the electronic control unitof the vehicle.

Vehicle Electronic Control Systems

Another aspect of the invention provides an electronic control systemfor a vehicle. The vehicle, in some cases, is a motor scooter. Theelectronic control system comprises an electronic control unit forpermitting use of the vehicle when coupled to an electronic device of auser. The electronic control unit comprises a communication interfacefor bringing the electronic control unit in communication with theelectronic device. The electronic control system further comprises ahousing having a support member that removably (or detachably) mountsthe electronic device of the user during use of the vehicle.

The communication interface can be a wired or wireless interface. Wiredinterfaces include universal serial bus (USB), FireWire, or other wiredcommunication protocol, such as serial bus communication protocol oraudio interface (e.g., audio port connection). Wireless interfacesinclude Bluetooth, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), nearfield communication (NFC), cellular, radiofrequency or WiFi (or Wi-Fi)connectivity.

The electronic control unit can be in electrical communication withother mechanical and/or electronic components of the vehicle, such asone or more of an alarm system of the vehicle, an energy storage systemof the vehicle (e.g., battery), a lighting system of the vehicle, adrive or power train of the vehicle, a transmission of the vehicle, anda braking system of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit can include a communication interface forbringing the electronic control unit in communication with a server forregulating vehicle access. In some examples, the server is the server201 of FIG. 2.

The electronic control unit is adapted to permit use of the vehicle ifthe electronic control unit detects an access signal in a memorylocation of the electronic control unit or the electronic device. Theaccess signal can be provided by the electronic device or a server. Insome examples, the server provides the access signal to the electroniccontrol unit. In other examples, the server provides the access signalto the electronic device. When the electronic device is coupled (e.g.,brought in communication with) the electronic control unit, the accesssignal may be transferred from the electronic device to the electroniccontrol unit, or, as an alternative, the electronic control unit maydetermine that the electronic device has received the access signal. Inboth cases, the electronic control unit may permit the user to use thevehicle.

In some situations, the electronic device or the electronic control unitmay authenticate the access signal. If the access signal passesauthentication, the user is permitted to use the vehicle; otherwise, theelectronic device or the electronic control unit may request anotheraccess signal from the server.

The electronic control unit can be disposed in the housing of theelectronic control system, which housing can include the support memberfor the electronic device of the user. As an alternative, the electroniccontrol unit can be disposed in another housing. The other housing canbe situated adjacent to the housing having the support member.

The housing can be a circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular,pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal housing, or anycombination or partial shape thereof (e.g., semi-circular). The housingcan a width between about 1 inch and 12 inches, or 3 inches and 8inches; a length between about 1 inch and 12 inches, or 3 inches and 8inches; and a height between about 1 inch and 6 inches, or 2 inches and4 inches. The housing may be formed of a polymeric material (e.g.,plastic), metallic material (e.g., aluminum), or composite material.

The support member in the housing can include one or more mountingbrackets for mating with the electronic device. Examples of mountingbrackets include, without limitation, hooks, clips, hook-and-loopfasteners (e.g., Velcro® fasteners), and magnetic fasteners.

The housing can include an opening that permits the user to insert theelectronic device of the user into the housing. In some cases, the userinserts the electronic device into the housing to couple the electronicdevice to the electronic control unit, such as by plugging theelectronic device into the communication interface of the electroniccontrol unit.

The housing can include a cover that seals the electronic device in thehousing. The cover can be a lid. The cover can be adapted to seal theopening of the housing. The lid can be at least partially transparent tovisible light (i.e., light having wavelengths from about 390 nm to 750nm). In some cases, the lid is substantially transparent to visiblelight. The lid can be formed of a metallic material, composite material,or polymeric material, such as, for example, a transparent plastic. Insome examples, the lid is formed of polycarbonate.

The housing can include an interlock (e.g., switch) that (i) permits useof the vehicle when the lid seals the electronic device in the housing,and (ii) disables the vehicle from use when the lid does not seal theelectronic device in the housing. The electronic switch can be coupledto an integrated circuit of the electronic control unit.

The electronic device of the user can be a portable electronic device.In some examples, the electronic device is a personal computer (e.g.,portable PC), slate or tablet PC (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® GalaxyTab), telephone, Smart phone (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enableddevice, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistant.

The electronic device can be an instrument cluster of the vehicle. Theinstrument cluster can be provided on a graphical user interface (GUI)on an electronic display of the electronic device. The instrumentcluster can include a speedometer, which may be displayed with a digitalreadout. The GUI may display information of or related to the vehicle,such as, for example, a location of the vehicle (e.g., on a map),whether the vehicle is on or off, length of time that the vehicle hasbeen in use by the user, length of time remaining on the user'sreservation of the vehicle, usage cost for use of the vehicle by theuser, emissions information (e.g., CO₂ emitted), amount of fuel left inthe vehicle, level (e.g., percentage) of charge or state of charge ofthe energy storage device (e.g., battery) of the vehicle, and the lengthof time remaining before the energy storage device of the vehiclerequires charging.

FIG. 4 shows an electronic cluster of a vehicle 400 having a supportmember 405 for an electronic device 410. The electronic device 410 inthe illustrated example is a Smart phone (e.g., Apple® iPhone) that iscoupled to an electronic control unit (not shown) of the vehicle 400through a connector. The vehicle in the illustrated example is ascooter.

FIG. 5 shows an electronic cluster 501 of a vehicle having a supportmember 505 with an electronic device 510 mounted on the support member505. The electronic cluster 501 is mounted on a vehicle (e.g., scooter).The support member 505 includes a cavity or chamber that holds theelectronic device 510 during use of the vehicle. The electronic device510 is mounted on the support member 505 with the aid of grippingmembers (also “grippers” herein) 515. The support member 505, togetherwith the grippers 515, may be referred to as a “dock.” The supportmember 505 includes a gripping member 515 on each side of the electronicdevice 510. The gripping members 515 engaged and disengage theelectronic device upon movement of a lever 520 up and down a track 525.In the illustrated example, sliding the lever 520 up (along thedirection of “open”) releases the gripping members 515 from contactingthe electronic device 510, and sliding the lever 520 down brings thegripping members 515 in contact with the electronic device 510 to securethe electronic device 510.

The electronic cluster 501 includes a cover 525 that is configured topivot about a pivot point 530 to seal the electronic device 510 in thesupport member 505. The cover 525 may be closed and opened manually(i.e., upon user engagement of the cover 525). As an alternative, thecover 525 may be adapted to automatically open and close, such as basedon a velocity (or speed) of the vehicle. For example, the cover 525 mayopen when the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than 0 miles perhour, and open when the vehicle has stopped.

In the illustrated example, the electronic cluster 501 is mountedbetween handle bars of the vehicle. However, the electronic cluster 501may be mounted at other locations of the vehicle.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the electronic device 510 is coupledto an electronic control unit (not shown) of the vehicle with the aid ofa dock connector 535 that is in electrical communication with theelectronic control unit through a cable 540.

The support member 505 may include dock connectors that are adapted forattachment to various electronic devices. In some examples, the dockconnector is a 9-pin, 19-pin or 30-pin connector. In other examples, thedock connector is a USB connector or audio connector.

The support member 505 further includes a latch 545. The latch may be amagnetic latch 545. The latch 545 is adapted to seal the cover 525against a lip 550 of an opening of the support member 505. The lip 550,in some cases, can include a gasket that forms a seal between the cover525 and the lip 550.

The grippers 515 may be spring-loaded grippers. The grippers 515 mayhold or secure the electronic device 510 when the lever 520 slides alongthe track to “closed” position. The grippers 515 may release theelectronic device 510 when the lever 520 slides along the track to an“open” position. An area between the grippes may be sized to securevarious types of electronic devices, such as telephones, Smart phonesand tablet personal computers (e.g., Apple® iPad). In some examples,grippers 515 provide a universal Smart phone mount.

The dock can protect the electronic device 510 from, for example,inclement weather and debris, and road jostling. The design of the dockcan be prohibit riders from interacting with the electronic device 510while the vehicle is in use. In some examples, an interlock (e.g.,switch) disables the vehicle when dock lid 525 is open.

With reference to FIG. 6, the electronic cluster 501 includes a grippingapparatus 555 that is coupled to the gripping members 515 of the supportmember 505. The gripping apparatus 555 can be located on an underside ofthe support member 505. The gripping apparatus 555 can be spring-loaded.A spring 560 coupled to the lever provides a restorative force that aidsto disengage the gripping members 515 from the electronic device 510upon movement of the lever towards the bottom of the track 525.Alternatively, the restorative force can be provided with the aid of anactuator. The location of the griping members 515 is shown by thetwo-way arrows in FIG. 6.

The gripping apparatus 555 can include an actuator or other motor formoving the gripping members 515. The actuator, for instance, can beconfigured to bring the gripping members 515 in contact with theelectronic device 510, and remove the gripping members 515 from contactwith the electronic device 510.

FIG. 7 shows an electronic control unit 700, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The electronic control unit 700 may beadapted for use with vehicles described herein. The electronic controlunit 700 can be configured to permit access to, and use of, a vehicle,in some cases with the aid of an electronic device of a user.

The electronic control unit 700 includes a housing 705 that can bedisposed at an underside of an electronic cluster, such as theelectronic cluster 501 of FIG. 5. The control unit 700 includes aprocessor (e.g., microprocessor) 710, a first electronic deviceinterface 715 and a second electronic device interface. In someexamples, the first electronic device interface 715 is suited for afirst type of Smart phone (e.g., Android® enabled device), and thesecond electronic device interface 720 is suited for another type ofSmart phone (e.g., Apple® iPhone). The interfaces can be in electricalcommunication with cables (not shown) that extend into an electroniccluster (see, e.g., FIG. 5). The control unit 700 also includes avehicle electrical interface 725 for coupling the control unit 700 toelectronic components of the vehicle (e.g., scooter). The control unit700 includes a power measurement member 730 for measuring currentdelivered to the vehicle during any charging of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 700 further includes memory 735, anencryption processor 740, and an accelerometer 745. The memory 735 caninclude software that is executable by the processor 710. The encryptionprocessor 740 can be used to encrypt data transmitted to and from thecontrol unit, such as, for example, communications data from the controlunit to a server, and from the server to the control unit 700. Theaccelerometer 745 may be used to measure acceleration, and in some casesvibration. The accelerometer 745 can be employed to observe drivingpatterns and give recommendations or advice to the user, such as, forexample, if the electronic control unit 700 or an electronic devicecoupled to the electronic control unit 700 suspects that the user ishaving trouble driving or is driving in a potentially unsafe ordangerous manner.

The control unit 700 can include a GPS module 750 and cellular interface755 for enabling the control unit 700 to communicate with a server, suchas the server 201 of FIG. 2. The control unit 700 further includes asubscriber identity module or subscriber identification module (SIM)card 760, which, in some cases, can be an integrated circuit thatsecurely stores the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) andthe related key used to identify and authenticate the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 700 can include other wireless interfaces,such as a WiFi interface or a Bluetooth interface (not shown). Thewireless interfaces can be used to bring the electronic control unit 700in communication with an electronic device of a user.

The components of the control unit 700 may be formed on a circuit board765. The circuit board 765 may be a printed circuit board.

The control unit 700 can permit a user to charge an electronic device ofthe user when the electronic device is coupled to the control unit 700.In some cases, the control unit will charge the electronic device of theuser only if the control unit (or server) has successfully authenticatedthe user.

The GPS module 750 can detect vehicle movement. This may be used todetect if the vehicle is being moved by an unauthorized user (e.g. ifthe vehicle has been hauled away on a truck). In some examples, ifunauthorized vehicle movement is detected, a server coupled to theelectronic control unit 700 can implement one or more security featuresselected from providing a visual alarm (e.g., flashing lights), soundingan auditory alarm and notifying authorities and/or a server coupled tothe electronic control unit 700. The electronic control unit 700 mayrecord the location of the vehicle during unauthorized movement to aidin retrieval vehicle.

FIGS. 8A-1, 8A-2, 8A-3, 8B-1, 8B-2, 8B-3 and 8C-8F show circuit diagramsof various components of an example integrated circuit, as may be usedwith electronic control units of the disclosure, such as the controlunit 700 of FIG. 7. FIGS. 8A-1, 8A-2 and 8A-3 in combination, illustratea circuit diagram of vehicle interface circuitry. FIGS. 8B-1, 8B-2 and8B-3 in combination, illustrate a circuit diagram of a processor, suchas the processor 710 of FIG. 7. FIG. 8C is a circuit diagram ofswitching power supply. FIG. 8D is a circuit diagram of a wirelesscommunications module. FIG. 8E is a circuit diagram of serialcommunications module. FIG. 8F is a circuit diagram of ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), encryption processorand accelerometer.

Features and Functionalities

Systems and methods of the disclosure can provide for various featuresand functionalities. For example, a system for permitting vehicleaccess, such as the system 200 of FIG. 2, can allow use of a vehicle byusers with different skills or different credentials, such as insurance,license, experience, or system membership type. The system can beadapted to comply with various regulations, such as speed limits. Thesystem can be adapted to permit a given speed at a first location andanother speed (e.g., maximum speed) at another location. In some cases,the system can regulate speed based on a skill level of a user (e.g.,beginner, intermediate, advanced), as well as regulate horse power orpower output, or geographic limits of operation. The system can beadapted to permit a user to carry a passenger.

In some cases, the system can help a user locate a vehicle of the user.This may be implemented, for example, with the aid of a GPS module of anelectronic device of the user and software installed thereon.

During pickup of a vehicle by a user, the system can indicate to theuser which vehicle among a group of vehicles has been reserved by theuser. In an example, the system (e.g., server 201) can direct thevehicle to flash the vehicle's light on or off, or provide other visualand/or auditory signal. In some cases, a reserved vehicle (e.g.,scooter) can be directed to “greet” a user who has reserved the vehicleby flashing the lights or tooting a horn of the vehicle when the user isin proximity of within a given distance from the vehicle, such as, forexample, if the user is within about 0.01 miles, 0.05 miles, 0.1 miles,0.15 miles, or 0.2 miles from the vehicle. A greet may aid the user tolocate the vehicle. In some cases, the vehicle can be directed to greetthe user if the server determines that the user is approaching thevehicle, which determination may be made by measuring or calculating ageolocation of the user at various points in time and, in some cases,generating a trajectory and acceleration of the user towards thevehicle. In some examples, the greet can be specific to a user, as maybe prepared by the user and stored in a profile of the user on theserver. For example, a first user may have a greet that includes threesuccessive flashes, with individual flashes being one second apart, anda second user may have a greet that includes five successive flashes,with individual flashes being 0.5 seconds apart.

An electronic device of a user, such as the electronic device 510 ofFIG. 5, may be used to access various vehicle features. For example, thevehicle can include an electromechanical steering column lock and/orwheel lock that may be enabled and disabled by an application (“app”) onthe electronic device of the user or the server (e.g., server 201 ofFIG. 2). In other examples, the vehicle can include one or more storageunits or compartments (e.g., helmet compartment) that can be locked orunlocked using the app.

The electronic device of the user can provide various features duringvehicle use. For instance, if the electronic device of the user losesconnectivity to a server (e.g., the server 201 of FIG. 2), such as ifthe electronic device does not have network connectivity, the electronicdevice may store vehicle use information (e.g., distance traveled, timetraveled, emissions information, cost for use, etc.) in a memorylocation of the electronic device, and provide the stored vehicle useinformation to the server (e.g., the server 201 of FIG. 2) when theelectronic device has regained connectivity to the server.Alternatively, information stored on the electronic device may beprovided to the electronic control unit of the vehicle, which maysubsequently direct the vehicle use information to the server.

Vehicle electronic control units and/or servers of the disclosure may beconfigured (e.g., programmed) to estimate the range of a vehicle basedon various user-specific factors, such as the weight and/or ridinghistory or behavior of the user, or route planned or previously taken bythe user, including a topography of such a route. The range can berepresented on a map of a GUI of an electronic device of the user or thevehicle. The range can be depicted, for example, with a shaded circlecentered on the location of the user. The server can anticipate futurereservations and related energy needs, and adjust interim vehicleavailability accordingly, such that sufficient time is available forcharging to meet anticipated energy needs. The server can provide theuser a warning if the range of the user is dropping below a point inwhich the user will not be able to predictably reach a nearest chargingstation.

Vehicles of the present disclosure, as well as components of suchvehicles, can be tracked or monitored. This can provide for enablingsafety features and functionalities, such as determining whether a useris wearing a helmet or other safety device (e.g., seat belt) when theuser has mounted a vehicle, such as a scooter.

Vehicles and components (or elements) of or associated with the vehicles(e.g., helmets) can be tracked using electronic tracking systems ordevices associated with electronic control units of the vehicles. Insome embodiments, a vehicle (e.g., motorcycle, scooter) has anelectronic control unit that regulates vehicle use and access, andfurther tracks the location of the vehicle and various components of thevehicle. The electronic control unit can be in communication withvarious sensors for enabling tracking. Examples of sensors includewireless sensors, such as, for example, a Radio-frequency identification(RFID) tag, a weight sensor, a temperature sensor, or a combinationthereof. In some examples, RFID tags are used to track assets on avehicle, such as, for example, a helmet and removable batteries. The canpermit the electronic control unit to know whether a given asset beingtracked or monitored is in, on, or in proximity to the vehicle. In someinstances, this prevents the user from operating the vehicle without theasset. For example, if the electronic control unit does not detect ahelmet (e.g., in the vehicle or at a location that is determined to belikely or most likely on the head of the user), then the electroniccontrol unit does not permit the user to operate the vehicle. In such acase, the user may not be able to turn on the vehicle until theelectronic control unit detects the helmet.

In some cases, an RFID sensor can operate at multiple ranges, anddetection at various ranges provides information that may be relevant toa state of the vehicle, an element of the vehicle, or the user. Forexample, with a helmet containing an RFID tag, a radiofrequency signaldetected by the electronic control unit of the vehicle at a givendistance may be indicative of the user wearing the helmet or not wearingthe helmet, which may enable the electronic control unit to regulatevehicle access. Thus, based on a radiofrequency signal received from anRFID tag (or sensor), the electronic control unit may know spatiallywhere the helmet is with respect to the scooter.

As an alternative, a helmet can include a temperature sensor. A rise orrelatively sudden rise in temperature detected by the helmet may beindicative of the user wearing the helmet. A decrease or relativelysudden decrease in the temperature may be indicative of the user havingremoved the helmet from the head of the user. This can permit theelectronic control unit to regulate vehicle use.

Wireless sensors can be used to track or identify a vehicle beyond arange permissible by other location systems, such as GPS. The locationof a vehicle, asset associated with the vehicle, or user can bedetermined by sensing an RFID tag on the vehicle, asset or user with theaid of RFID sensors at a given location. For example, an RFID tag on avehicle can be used to detect the location of the vehicle in an parkingenclosure using one or more RFID sensors in the parking enclosure.

A wireless sensor can be used to activate or deactivate a vehicle. Forexample, an RFID tag on a mobile device of a user can be used toactivate or deactivate the vehicle if or when the RFID tag is detectedby a radiofrequency (RF) detector (or reader) of the vehicle. Theradiofrequency detector can be integrated with an electronic controlunit of the vehicle, or separate from the electronic control unit but incommunication with the electronic control unit. In an example, theelectronic control unit of a scooter allows a user to operate thescooter if the electronic control unit detects an RFID tag (e.g., if theRFID tag is interrogated by the RF reader).

As an alternative to RFID tags, the WiFi or Bluetooth signals from amobile device can be used to activate or deactivate a vehicle. In anexample, a mobile device of a user emits a WiFi signal that is detectedby a wireless receiver (e.g., ultrawideband or narrowband receiver) ofthe electronic control unit. The electronic control unit, upon detectingthe WiFi signal, permits vehicle access and/or operation by the user.

In some situations, a numeric keypad is used to activate a vehicle whenthe vehicle is not in communication range with a remote computer systemthat regulates vehicle access. The numeric keypad can be coupled to anelectronic control unit of the vehicle. The electronic control unit canpermit vehicle access if the user inputs the proper code into thekeypad. The code can be, for example, a rotating pseudorandom code whosesequence is synchronized with the remote computer system when thevehicle is online or in range. This code can be given to the user by theremote computer system via an application (app) on a mobile device ofthe user.

Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be used to provideone-way vehicle trips. A user can reserve a vehicle (e.g., scooter)using, for example, a mobile device of the user, such as a Smart phone.The mobile device can include an app that enables the user to interactwith a remote computer system to reserve the vehicle. The user can alsoreserve a destination parking location on the mobile device. Forexample, on the mobile device, the user selects a vehicle for pick up ata first location (e.g., the corner of Townsend St. and 4^(th) St.) andselects a second location (e.g., the corner of 18^(th) St. and MissionSt.) to park the vehicle. The second location can be a parking spot,such as a dedicated parking spot. The reservation can be finalized inthe remote computer system, which reserves the vehicle and the secondlocation for the user, in some cases for a given period of time (e.g.,reservation is kept for 15 minutes). The remote computer system may notpermit another user to reserve the vehicle or the second location whilethe vehicle and the second location are reserved by the first user. Insome situations, if a second user attempts to park a vehicle in thesecond location, the second user receives a notification or warning onan electronic display of a mobile device of the second user indicatingthat the second location has been reserved and is not available to thesecond user.

EXAMPLES

Systems and methods of the disclosure can be implemented with the aid ofan application (“app”) on an electronic device (e.g., mobile device) ofa user, which electronic device is coupled to a server (e.g., server 201of FIG. 2) and a vehicle (e.g., scooter). The app can be implemented ona graphical user interface (GUI) on the electronic device of the user.

FIGS. 9-14 show screenshots of a GUI of an app that is programmed toenable a user to find a scooter in a given geographic location, reservethe scooter, use the scooter, and receive various use information duringand subsequent to the use of the scooter. The scooter may have anelectronic cluster, such as the electronic cluster 501 of FIG. 5, and anelectronic control unit as described herein, such as the electroniccontrol unit 700 of FIG. 7.

Although the examples and screenshots and below have been described inthe context of scooters, it will be appreciated that the examples andscreenshots may apply to other vehicles, such as motorcycles,automobiles, trucks and boats.

In FIG. 9, a user has located a scooter on a map displayed on the GUI ofthe electronic device of the user. The app may display information aboutthe scooter, for example the battery level or estimated range of thescooter so that the user can choose a scooter with sufficient range forthe user's needs. Alternatively, the user may input a destination andthe server can direct the user to a scooter that meets the user's needs,such as having a range sufficient to enable the user to reach the user'sdestination and, in some cases, drive back to the user's starting point.The server can direct the user to the scooter by, for example, providingthe location of the scooter on a GUI of the electronic device of theuser.

The app may present the user with the opportunity to reserve (“Reserve”)a selected scooter. In the illustrated example, the user has selected ascooter (“Scoot 16”), and the app presents the user with the opportunityto reserve Scoot 16.

With reference to FIG. 10, the user has elected to reserve Scoot 16, andthe app queries the user to determine whether the user wishes to reserveScoot 16 (“Reserve Scoot 16 for 15 minutes?”). If the user elects toreserve Scoot 16, then the app instructs the server that the user haselected to reserve Scoot 16. In such a case, the user is provided a timeperiod of 15 minutes to travel to Scoot 16 and couple the electronicdevice of the user to an electronic control unit of Scoot 16. In FIG.11, the user has elected to reserve Scoot 16, and the app informs theuser that the user has 15 minutes to find Scoot 16 (“You have 15 minutesto find your Scoot. Dock your phone to begin the activation sequence”).However, if the user elects to cancel (“Cancel”) the reservation ofScoot 16, then the user is permitted to find another vehicle to reserve.

With reference to FIG. 12, the user has located Scoot 16 and coupled theuser's electronic device to the electronic control unit of Scoot 16(i.e., the user has docked the user's electronic device to Scoot 16).The app then presents the user with a dashboard that shows the speed ofScoot 16 (“0 mph,” as illustrated), the percentage of charge remainingin an energy storage device of Scoot 16 (“100%”, as illustrated), and atimer that shows the length of time Scoot 16 has been used (“00:00,” asillustrated). The app also shows the location of Scoot 16 on a map. Astart button (“Start”) enables the user to begin using Scoot 16. If theuser elects to press or otherwise select the start button, then the userwill be permitted to begin driving Scoot 16. Upon pressing the startbutton, the timer will record the length of time the user has used Scoot16.

With reference to FIG. 13, the app presents the user with the option ofterminating the use of Scoot 16 (“End Ride”). The user may be able toelect this option if Scoot 16 is parked or otherwise not moving, and. Insome cases, the user is able to elect to terminate the use of Scoot 16if the lid of a dock of Scoot 16 is open. The user may not be able toterminate the use of Scoot 16 if the lid is closed or if the user isdriving Scoot 16. In some examples, the app presents the user with theoption to terminate the use of Scoot 16 if the sever or the electronicdevice of the user determines that Scoot 16 is stationary orparked—e.g., by monitoring a location of Scoot 16 via GPS, or bymonitoring scooter movement with the aid of an accelerometer, such as anaccelerometer on the electronic device of the user or on an electroniccontrol unit of the scooter.

With reference to FIG. 14, when the user has terminated the use of Scoot16, the app, in some cases upon direction from the server, presents theuser with various use information. In the illustrated example, the apppresents the length of time the user used Scoot 16 (“0.20 minute ride”),total distance traveled during use (“1.00 miles”), and carbon dioxideemissions saved for using Scoot 16 (“1.25 lb less CO2 emissions thandriving!”). The app also shows the total cost for using Scoot 16 (“$5.00charged to your account”), and savings to the user for using Scoot 16over other modes of transportation (“$1.25 less than a taxi!”).

FIG. 15 shows an initial scoot discover screen of the app. A map isdisplayed with icons (“5”) that indicate garages with scooters. Iconsthat are grayed out 1501 indicate garages without available scooters.Scooters are available at other marked garages. Availability isdetermined on a per-user basis, so two different user may see differentgarages on the map. Tapping an “S” icon results in scooter icons to bedisplayed in a radial pattern around the garage, with the garage nameand hours of operations (including opening hours) displayed in a greybar near the bottom.

A user can select a scooter from available scooters and also select adestination location from those that are available, such as destinationgarages (“P”). FIG. 16 shows an example result of tapping a garage andthen tapping a scooter. A scooter number and garage name where a scooteris to be dropped off are displayed towards the bottom of the screen. Thescooter number (“Scooter 45” in the illustrated example) and batterycharge level (“61%”) are displayed in the top bar. The selected scooter1601 and destination garage 1602 are shown on the map using icon colorsthat are different from unselected scooters and destination garages.Destination garages that are not available for drop-off may be grayedout, while those that are available are not grayed out. The user canselect a destination location by tapping on a destination icon andaccepting the confirmation dialog.

FIG. 17 is a screenshot of the app showing a map with scooter ride inprogress. The scooter is shown at its GPS reported location, which canbe updated to reflect a current geolocation of the scooter. A selecteddestination (or drop-off) location may be changed at any point on theride. However, the user may be permitted to change a drop-off locationonly when the scooter is not in motion, as may be detected by theelectronic device of the user (e.g., using an accelerometer of theelectronic device to detect motion). A “Turn Off” button 1701 at thebottom of the screen turns off the scooter but keeps the scooter checkedout to the user. An “End” button 1702 at the bottom ends the ride, atwhich point a warning is displayed if the scooter is not at its expecteddrop-off location. A “Garage” button 1703 provides information about thedestination garage. Tapping button 1703 displays the pop-up of FIG. 18with garage information. Ride duration is displayed at the top andbattery level 1704 at the top right. The battery level 1704 enables theuser to view the state of charge of the battery of the scooter. Tappingthe battery level 1704 displays a dialog with information about expectedor projected remaining range and distance covered so far, as shown inFIG. 19.

The app of FIG. 17 also includes a “menu” button 1705. Tapping button1705 displays the pop-up at the top-left portion of FIG. 20 with variousmenu features, such as “Help & How to,” “Parking & Garages,”“Membership,” and “Sign out.”

With reference to FIG. 21, if a scooter is activated and ridden withoutplugging the scooter's USB cable into the electronic device (e.g.,phone) of the user, a warning dialog is displayed. The dialog indicatesthat if the phone is not plugged into the scooter, then the scooter willshut off two minutes after the scooter stops moving. This feature canhelp ensure that the user couples the phone (or other appropriateelectronic device) to the scooter.

The app can provide the user an in-app tutorial, which may guide theuser through various features and functionalities of the app andscooter. FIG. 22 shows a tutorial that guides the user through theprocess of starting the app on a Smart phone of the user, and reservinga scooter.

The user can select a destination (or drop-off) location and change thedestination location. FIG. 23 shows a dialog that is presented by theapp when the user selects a new drop-off location (e.g., garage). Inthis example, selecting “OK” will reserve a parking space in the newdrop-off location, provided that the new drop-off location has not beentaken in the time since the dialog was presented. If parking is nolonger available, an apology message is presented with instructions tochoose another drop-off location.

When a new destination (or drop-off) location is selected by the user,the app can direct the user to the new drop-off location. In FIG. 24,when a new destination garage is selected, a line (e.g., red line) isdrawn connecting the current location of the scooter to the newdestination location. This may help the user keep track of and find thenew destination location. A message at the bottom of the screen confirmsthat the destination location has changed, and indicates operating hoursof the new destination location. In this example, the new destinationlocation is a garage that is “Always Open.”

Systems and methods of the disclosure may be combined with or modifiedby other systems and methods, such as those described in U.S. PatentPublication Nos. 2007/0285209 and 2011/0112969, and Patent CooperationTreaty Patent Publication No. WO/2001/061604, which are entirelyincorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particularimplementations have been illustrated and described, variousmodifications can be made thereto and are contemplated herein. It isalso not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examplesprovided within the specification. While the invention has beendescribed with reference to the aforementioned specification, thedescriptions and illustrations of the preferable embodiments herein arenot meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it shall beunderstood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to thespecific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forthherein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. Variousmodifications in form and detail of the embodiments of the inventionwill be apparent to a person skilled in the art. It is thereforecontemplated that the invention shall also cover any such modifications,variations and equivalents. It is intended that the following claimsdefine the scope of the invention and that methods and structures withinthe scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for permitting a user to access atwo-wheeled vehicle, comprising: (a) viewing on a graphical userinterface of a mobile electronic device of said user, a plurality oftwo-wheeled vehicles in a geographic location, which plurality oftwo-wheeled vehicles comprises said two-wheeled vehicle, wherein saidtwo-wheeled vehicle comprises a control unit for regulating access tosaid two-wheeled vehicle; (b) using said graphical user interface toselect said two-wheeled vehicle from said plurality of two-wheeledvehicles in said geographic location; (c) when said mobile electronicdevice is at or in proximity to said two-wheeled vehicle, using saidgraphical user interface to request access to said two-wheeled vehicle,wherein said request causes said mobile electronic device to transmitover a network an access request to a remote computer server, whichcomputer server (i) processes said access request and (ii) transmits anaccess signal to said control unit, wherein said access signal permitssaid user to access said two-wheeled vehicle; and (d) accessing saidtwo-wheeled vehicle upon said control unit of said two-wheeled vehiclereceiving said access signal from said computer server.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising authenticating said user prior to providingsaid access to said two-wheeled vehicle.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein said user is authenticated using identifying information of saiduser.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said two-wheeled vehicle is amotor scooter.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said two-wheeledvehicle is a bicycle.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said user ispermitted to use said two-wheeled vehicle if said mobile electronicdevice of said user is coupled to said two-wheeled vehicle.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein said user is permitted to use saidtwo-wheeled vehicle if said mobile electronic device of said user iscoupled to said control unit of said two-wheeled vehicle.
 8. The methodof claim 1, wherein said control unit tracks one or more components ofsaid two-wheeled vehicle.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said one ormore components of said two-wheeled vehicle comprise a removablebattery.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said control unit is incommunication with one or more sensors to enable tracking of saidtwo-wheeled vehicle.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said one ormore sensors comprise a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. 12.The method of claim 10, wherein said one or more sensors comprise aweight sensor that detects a presence of said user in said two-wheeledvehicle.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein said user is permitted touse said two-wheeled vehicle if said control unit or said mobileelectronic device detects that said user is wearing a safety device. 14.The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, from said mobileelectronic device of said user, a selection of a destination location ofsaid two-wheeled vehicle.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprisingreceiving, on said graphical user interface of said mobile electronicdevice of said user, a designated geographic location and saiddestination location of said two-wheeled vehicle.
 16. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said mobile electronic device comprises a computerprocessor that is programmed to monitor an operational state of saidtwo-wheeled vehicle.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein saidoperational state of said two-wheeled vehicle includes one or more of ageographic location, speed, and level of a battery of said two-wheeledvehicle.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein said two-wheeled vehicle ispowered in whole or in part by electrical energy.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein said electrical energy is provided by a batteryonboard said two-wheeled vehicle.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinsaid battery is removable from said two-wheeled vehicle.